Dublin in Ireland, a city with a truly European feel, has something to offer everyone.  Ideal for a city break, flying from London, you can be there in just over an hour. 

Dublin is a compact city, easy to explore, with an arty cosmopolitan feel. 

Dublin city gallery http://www.hughlane.ie is situated in the centre of Dublin and has one of Ireland’s leading collections of modern and contemporary art.

For those with literary interests, the Dublin Writers Museum, James Joyce Museum and The George Bernard Shaw Birthplace are all worth a visit.  There is also Oscar Wilde’s house, now the America College in Dublin is set in beautiful Merrion Square, one of Dublin’s most beautiful and grandest Georgian squares.

http://www.visitdublin.com/seeanddo/detail.aspx?id=309&mid=1325

If it’s a bit of history you are after, Dublin castle, set in the heart of historic Dublin is well worth a visit.  After a disastrous fire in 1684 when much of the medieval Dublin castle burnt down, it was rebuilt in the 1700s.  Guided tours of the State Apartments, Undercroft and Chapel Royal are available . There is also a café and gift shop.  http://www.dublincastle.ie/  

In terms of retail therapy, Dublin has two main pedestrianised shopping areas,

Grafton Street and Henry Street.  For high end shopping head towards Grafton street and to Henry Street for more general high street shopping.

Fans of Guinness beer will enjoy a trip to the Guinness Storehouse (a building modelled on a giant pint glass and a 20 minute walk from the city centre).  Here visitors can learn about the history of Guinness and how Guinness is made.  At the top of the building is the Gravity bar where visitors receive their complementary pint of Guinness beer and enjoy panoramic views across Dublin. http://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en/Index.aspx

For an evening (or afternoon drink), there are a number of trendy riverside bars and café society abounds.  Or if it’s a taste of local life you are after, traditional Irish pubs are in plentiful supply.